O'Malley signs death penalty repeal, cyberbullying bills

Gov. Martin O'Malley signed a measure Thursday repealing capital punishment in Maryland, as well as a bill that will strengthen the state's anti-bullying measures.

O'Malley began signing the bills at a ceremony around 10 a.m. Thursday. NAACP President Ben Jealous and Kirk Bloodsworth, a one-time Maryland death row inmate who was the first person in the United States freed by DNA evidence, were some of the many supporters in attendance.

"It has taken 28 years for this to happen, and it's one of the most gratifying things I've ever experienced," Bloodsworth said.

Maryland is now the 18th state to abolish the death penalty.

The state has five men on death row. The bill will not apply to them retroactively; however, the legislation makes it clear the governor can commute their sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole. O'Malley has said he will consider them on a case-by-case basis.

The state's last execution took place in 2005, before O'Malley's tenure.

Supporters of the death penalty could still try to petition the bill to the ballot for voters to decide next year, but a petition drive has not yet been announced.

Grace's Law to help combat cyberbullying

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice stood by as the governor signed the state's new anti-bullying measure, Grace's Law, which was named in honor of 15-year-old Grace McComas. Her family said she committed suicide on Easter of 2012 because of vicious cyberbullying.

'She's a great kid. We wish she was here. We wish this wasn't necessary. We are very happy that we were heard," said Christine McComas, Grace's mom.

The law prohibits electronic harassment of a minor based on sex, race or sexual orientation. Violators would face up to a year in jail or a $500 fine.

Bill signings emotional for some

The Torsch family also took part in the bill signing, an emotional roller coaster. They inspired a law that makes an overdose-blocking drug more widely available. Their son, Danny, died from a heroin overdose. At that time, the antidote, Narcan, was not available, with the exception of Baltimore City, to family and friends of drug addicts. The legislation sailed through the General Assembly.

"This will definitely save lives. There's no question about that, and that's something we have to be excited about," said Toni Torsch, Danny's mom.

"It's just phenomenal that this bill went through this quickly. We believe that our children were like little angels that really pushed it through," said Tricia Lane, an advocate.

The governor also signed a medical marijuana research bill into law that allows state-controlled marijuana to be prescribed through a medical doctor to a limited number of chronically ill patients. Medical research centers would run them and publish studies.

"I think it is a win for hospitals an academic centers. It's a win for patients and the state of Maryland," said Baltimore County Delegate Dr. Dan Morhaim, D-District 11.

O'Malley also signed a bill giving second-class driver's licenses to illegal immigrants and one expanding early voting that would also allow people to vote on the same day they register.

A campaign finance reform bill raises contribution limits but also closes a loophole that allowed companies to exceed donation limits.

At a glance

AGRICULTURAL CERTAINTY - Offers farmers who voluntarily meet 2025 water quality goals now a 10-year exemption from new clean water laws and regulations.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE - Raises political donation limits for individuals, while emphasizing disclosure and allowing state elections board to fine violators.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING - Makes union fees a mandatory subject of bargaining between school boards and local associations for all teachers.

CYBERBULLYING - Prohibits person from using an interactive computer server to inflict serious emotional distress on a minor.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Sunday it was "very alarmed" by reports of widespread doping by track and field athletes in major competitions including the Olympic Games and world championships.

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